Pasta Express Has DIY Pasta Bowls from $5 In SMU, NUS, And NTU

Pasta Express for cheap DIY pasta bowls

With inflation on the rise, food prices are also going up. It’s getting increasingly harder to find cheap eats, so I was stoked when I stumbled upon Pasta Express. This humble eatery, which has outlets in Ghim Moh, NTU, NUS, and SMU, is well-loved by university students who swear by their affordable and customisable pasta bowls.

Image credit: @pastaexpress.sg

Ordering is easy peasy. First, select from three bases: Aglio Olio, Tomato Sauce, or Cream Sauce. The base price of each pasta bowl is $3.30. Then, you’ll need to order a minimum of three toppings, priced at $0.60 or $1.20 each.

Image credit: @ggrreedy

The cheapest configuration will set you back at just $5.10, which comes with three toppings. Choose from options such as sous vide egg, tofu, chickpeas, Japanese cucumber, capsicum, and cherry tomatoes. If budget isn’t an issue, you can upgrade with meatier options including oven-baked chicken breast ($1.20) and smoked duck ($1.20). Generally, prices range from $5 to $7 per meal, depending on your choice of ingredients.

According to online reviews, regulars love their cream sauce as it’s rich and creamy, but not too jelak. If you’re a fan of carbonara, the aglio olio is great with sous vide egg, bacon, and a generous dose of parmesan cheese. Pasta Express also offers fixed bowls such as Beef Bolognese ($5.30), available only at selected outlets.

Do note that prices and toppings across the different locations are subject to changes. For example, the base price of a pasta bowl is $3.40 and toppings start at $0.80 at Pasta Express’ Ghim Moh branch.

SMU students can also check out our Obok Dabang review, a Korean cafe on the campus that opens till 1am—great for post-studying nosh.

For more affordable pasta options, read our Nudedles review for lobster linguine and more in Chinatown. Alternatively, head to Mervyn’s Madeleines, a poolside cafe in Clementi with pasta under $15.

Website | Full list of outlets
Pasta Express is not a halal-certified eatery.

Featured image adapted from @pastaexpress.sg and @ggrreedy

Anthia Chng

As the Associate Editor of Eatbook, Anthia survives on a steady diet of cake and coffee. With a decade of writing experience in food, fashion, and beauty—including six years at Expat Living Singapore—she’s passionate about sharing stories that excite and inspire, whether it’s discovering the latest restaurant opening or shining a light on a heritage hawker stall.